English at Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · English Language and Literature, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings
$27,950/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk
Very High (61% exposed)
Job Market
Large (73,200 openings/yr)
ROI
10.0x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to English graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $453K | $458K | $437K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.9x | 10.0x | 9.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.2x | 4.2x | 4.0x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 48% | 41% | 29% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 25 | 25 | 20 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,744
Out-of-state: $108,000 (4.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
8.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,385
37% growth from Year 1
About Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University has a 97% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 12,267 students in Bowling Green, KY.
See all programs and financial aid at Western Kentucky University →Top Career Paths
English language and literature teachers, postsecondary
$78,270/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
$64,580/yr
Proofreaders and copy markers
$49,210/yr
Compare & Explore
English at Other Schools
Other Majors at Western Kentucky University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for English at Western Kentucky University?
At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring English programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study English at Western Kentucky University?
The 61% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →